Method and apparatus for associating a received command with a control for performing actions with a mobile telecommunication device

ABSTRACT

The invention is directed to associating a received command with a control such as a push button on a mobile telecommunication device, and enabling an action associated with the command to be performed when the control is later activated. The command may be received from another mobile device or remote computer. The actions that may be associated with the performance instruction include tuning to a broadcast such as a radio or television, browsing a web site or hyperlinked text, and tuning to a streamed broadcast over a network, such as the Internet. The command button can be a physical element such as the “*” key on a keypad or a virtual button on a display.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This utility application is related to a previously filed U.S.Provisional Application Serial No. 60/290,592, filed on May 11, 2001,the benefit of the earlier filing date of which is hereby claimed under35 U.S.C. §119 (e).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is related to mobile telecommunicationdevices, and more specifically to associating a received command thatcan include information with a control for performing actions with amobile telecommunication device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Since their introduction, the number of services and features forcellular telephones has steadily increased. At first, these mobiledevices operated on analog wireless networks that enabled voicecommunication and simple paging features. Later, digital wirelessnetworks for cellular telephones were implemented to provide moreadvanced features for voice and data communication, such as encryption,caller identification and short message service (SMS) text messages.More recently, some cellular telephones enable the browsing of web pageson the Internet or other on-line services. The functionality of cellulartelephones has continued to increase and incorporate many of thefeatures originally provided for in handheld electronic devices such aspersonal digital assistants (PDAs). Relatively simple PDA features suchas keeping a list of contacts, a calendar, appointments, and the likehave been generally integrated into recent cellular telephone models.

[0004] With the increased services and features has come increasedcellular phone use that enables users to stay in relatively closecontact with friends and acquaintances. Users can talk about whatstation they are listening to on the radio or watching on television,web sites that they have browsed and games that they enjoy. In the past,there has not been an easy to use mechanism for a user to share thistype of information in a way that enabled others to quickly and easilyparticipate in the same activities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention is directed to a method and apparatus forassociating a command with a control on a mobile device that enablestelecommunication. The command is received in a message and the commandcan include data for enabling an action with the mobile device. Thecommand is automatically associated with the control; and the data isemployed to automatically enable the action with the mobile device. Theactivation of the control causes the action to be performed with themobile device.

[0006] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to including thecommand in a Short Message Service (SMS) message that is received by themobile device. Also, the action can include at least one of tuning to aradio station, completing a telephone call, enabling a game, playing anaudio recording, playing a video, displaying a picture, playing ananimation, enabling a screensaver and browsing to a web site. Further,the action can be sending a channel selection to a television set ortuning to an AM or FM radio station.

[0007] In yet another embodiment, the command can be received from atleast a selected one of a radio station, satellite, wireless network,pager, television station and web site. The command can be received fromanother mobile device that enables telecommunication and a remotecomputing device.

[0008] In still another embodiment, another command is received thatincludes other data for enabling another action with the mobile device.The other command is automatically associated with the control; and theother data is employed to automatically enable the other action with themobile device. The activation of the control causes the other action tobe performed with the mobile device.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the control can be activated by a singlemotion. Also, the mobile device can provide an acknowledgement when thecontrol is activated, such as a sound, visual display and hapticfeedback. The acknowledgement can include selective illumination oflight sources in the mobile device; and the light sources can display apattern. Also, another command can be associated with the control. Whenanother activation of the control occurs, another action thatcorresponds to the other command can be performed.

[0010] In another embodiment, a list of other users is provided and eachuser in the list is linked by a relationship to the user of the mobiledevice. A separate list can be provided to each type of relationship tothe user of the mobile device. When the list is enabled, the command canbe sent to each user included in the list, wherein the command isreceivable by each mobile device associated with each user included inthe list.

[0011] These and various other features, as well as advantages, whichcharacterize the present invention, will be apparent from a reading ofthe following detailed description and a review of the associateddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram that shows an exemplary systemoverview;

[0013]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram that illustrates an exemplary systemoverview in which local area networks and a wide area network areinterconnected by routers;

[0014]FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram that shows an exemplary servercomputer;

[0015]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram that illustrates an exemplary mobiledevice;

[0016]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram that shows an exemplary systemoverview in which a mobile device is in communication with differenttypes of sources;

[0017]FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram that shows an exemplary systemoverview in which a control on a mobile device is employed to select atelevision channel for display on a television set;

[0018]FIG. 7 is a flow chart that illustrates a process for receivingand implementing a command associated with a control on the mobiledevice;

[0019]FIG. 8 is a flow chart that shows a process for receiving amessage that includes a command and data;

[0020]FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing one embodiment for acommand message application;

[0021]FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a process for polling for commandmessages from at least one other member of a list; and

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0022] In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments ofthe invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, whichform a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specificexemplary embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. Eachembodiment is described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled inthe art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that otherembodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Thefollowing detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in alimiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined onlyby the appended claims.

[0023] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms takethe meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. The term “control” means any physical device on amobile telecommunication device that when actuated causes an action tobe performed or causes an operating system to switch to another programor operation in conjunction with the practice of the invention disclosedherein. Unless otherwise specified, a control is a physical component onthe mobile telecommunication device. For example, a key (button) on akeypad, rotary switch, slide switch, push button, touch pad, touchsensitive display, voice activated controller, and the like. The controlcan be dedicated to operating solely with each received command, or itcan be a multi-purpose control having other functionality assigned to itin conjunction with the practice of the invention described herein.

[0024] A “command” is employed to associate an action with the control.Also, the command includes data to be used when performing the action.For example, the action could be tuning a radio receiver to a radiostation and the data could be the particular radio frequency. The“command” may be included in a message received by a mobiletelecommunication device such as an SMS (Short Messaging Service)message or some other type of messaging service.

[0025] Also, the meaning of “a”, “an,” and “the” include pluralreferences. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” Referring to thedrawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views.Additionally, a reference to the singular includes a reference to theplural unless otherwise stated or inconsistent with the disclosureherein.

[0026] Briefly described, when a message that includes a command isreceived by a mobile telecommunication device, automatically thiscommand is associated with a control (physical device) on the devicesuch as a push button. Any data associated with the command is alsoemployed to enable the device to operate in a particular manner when thecontrol is subsequently activated by a user. For example, when areceived command is “call Dave,” the mobile telecommunication devicewould automatically configure a control to cause the completion of atelephone call to Dave upon activation. Subsequently, when the controlis activated, the mobile telecommunication device would automaticallydial Dave's telephone number.

[0027] Illustrative Operating Environment

[0028] With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary system in which theinvention operates includes mobile (wireless) devices 400, wirelessnetwork 110, gateway 115, wide area network (WAN)/local area network(LAN) 200 and one or more server computers 300.

[0029] Mobile devices 400 are coupled to wireless network 110 and aredescribed in more detail in conjunction with FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.Generally, mobile devices 400 include any device capable of connectingto a wireless network such as wireless network 110. Such mobile devicesinclude cellular telephones, smart phones, pagers, radio frequency (RF)devices, infrared (IR) devices, citizen band radios (CBs), integrateddevices combining one or more of the preceding devices, and the like.Mobile devices 400 may also include other devices that have a wirelessinterface such as PDAs, handheld computers, personal computers,multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumerelectronics, network PCs, wearable computers, and the like.

[0030] Wireless network 110 transports information to and from mobiledevices capable of wireless communication. Wireless network 110 mayinclude both wireless and wired components. For example, wirelessnetwork 110 may include wireless cellular sites (not shown) that arecoupled to another wired telephone network. Typically, a cellular sitecarries communication to and from cellular telephones, pagers, and othermobile devices; and the wired telephone network carries communication tolandline telephones, long-distance communication links, and the like.

[0031] Wireless network 110 is coupled to WAN/LAN through gateway 115.Gateway 115 routes information between wireless network 110 and WAN/LAN200. For example, a user using a mobile device may browse the Internetby calling a certain number or tuning to a particular frequency. Uponreceipt of the number, wireless network 110 is configured to passinformation between the wireless device and gateway 115. Gateway 115translates requests for web pages from mobile devices into hypertexttransfer protocol (HTTP) messages, which may then be sent to resourcescoupled to WAN/LAN 200. Gateway 115 may also translate responses to suchmessages into a protocol compatible with the requesting mobile device.Additionally, Gateway 115 may be used to translate exchanges of othertypes of messages, e.g., SMS (short message service) messages, betweenmobile devices 400 that are facilitated by resources (servers) coupledto WAN/LAN 200.

[0032] Typically, WAN/LAN 200 transmits information between computingdevices as described in more detail in conjunction with FIG. 2. Oneexample of a WAN is the Internet, which connects millions of computersover a host of gateways, routers, switches, hubs, and the like. Anexample of a LAN is a network used to connect computers in a singleoffice. A WAN may connect multiple LANs. Server computers 300 arecoupled to WAN/LAN 200 through communication mediums. Server computers300 provide access to information and services as described in moredetail in conjunction with FIG. 3.

[0033]FIG. 2 shows another exemplary system in which the inventionoperates in which a number of local area networks (“LANs”) 220 _(a-d)and wide area network (“WAN”) 230 interconnected by routers 210. Routers210 are intermediary devices on a communications network that expeditemessage delivery. On a single network linking many computers through amesh of possible connections, a router receives transmitted messages andforwards them to their correct destinations over available routes. On aninterconnected set of LANs—including those based on differingarchitectures and protocols—, a router acts as a link between LANs,enabling messages to be sent from one to another. Communication linkswithin LANs typically include twisted wire pair, fiber optics, orcoaxial cable, while communication links between networks may utilizeanalog telephone lines, full or fractional dedicated digital linesincluding T1, T2, T3, and T4, Integrated Services Digital Networks(ISDNs), Digital Subscriber Lines (DSLs), wireless links, or othercommunications links known to those skilled in the art.

[0034] Furthermore, computers, such as remote computer 240, and otherrelated electronic devices can be remotely connected to either LANs 220_(a-d) or WAN 230 via a modem and temporary telephone link. The numberof WANs, LANs, and routers in FIG. 2 may be increased or decreasedwithout departing from the spirit or scope of this invention. As such,it will be appreciated that the Internet itself may be formed from avast number of such interconnected networks, computers, and routers andthat an embodiment of the invention could be practiced over the Internetwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0035] The media used to transmit information in communication links asdescribed above illustrates one type of computer-readable media, namelycommunication media. Generally, computer-readable media includes anymedia that can be accessed by a computing device. Computer-readablemedia may include computer storage media, communication media, or anycombination thereof.

[0036] Communication media typically embodies computer-readableinstructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in amodulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transportmechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term“modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of itscharacteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode informationin the signal. By way of example, communication media includes wiredmedia such as twisted pair, coaxial cable, fiber optics, wave guides,and other wired media and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared,and other wireless media.

[0037] The Internet has recently seen explosive growth by virtue of itsability to link computers located throughout the world. As the Internethas grown, so has the WWW. Generally, the WWW is the total set ofinterlinked hypertext documents residing on HTTP (hypertext transportprotocol) servers around the world. Documents on the WWW, called pagesor Web pages, are typically written in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language),or some other markup language, identified by URLs (Uniform ResourceLocators) that specify the particular machine and pathname by which afile can be accessed, and transmitted from server to end user usingHTTP. Codes, called tags, embedded in an HTML document associateparticular words and images in the document with URLs so that a user canaccess another file, which may be halfway around the world, at the pressof a key or the click of a mouse. These files may contain text (in avariety of fonts and styles), graphics images, movie files, media clips,and sounds as well as Java applets, ActiveX controls, or other embeddedsoftware programs that execute when the user activates them. A uservisiting a Web page may also be able to download files from an FTP siteand send messages to other users via email by using links on the Webpage.

[0038] Server computer 300, as described in regard to FIG. 3, is acomputer connected to a network and having storage facilities forstoring hypertext documents for a WWW site, running administrativesoftware (WWW server) for handling requests for the stored hypertextdocuments and enabling a facility (command message server) to handlecommand based messages communicated between mobile devices. The servercomputer 300 may include many more components than those shown in FIG.3. However, the components shown are sufficient to disclose anillustrative embodiment for practicing the present invention.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3 server computer 300 is connected to WAN/LAN200, or other communications network, via network interface unit 310.Network interface unit 310 includes the circuitry for connecting WWWserver 330 and command message server 336 to WAN/LAN 200, and isconstructed for use with various communication protocols includingTCP/IP and WAP. Typically, network interface unit 310 is a cardcontained within server computer 300.

[0040] Server computer 300 also includes processing unit 312, videodisplay adapter 314, and a mass memory, all connected via bus 322. Themass memory generally includes RAM 316, ROM 332, and one or morepermanent mass storage devices, such as hard disk drive 328, a tapedrive, CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive 326, and/or a floppy disk drive. The massmemory stores operating system 320 for controlling the operation ofserver computer 300. This component may comprise a general purposeserver operating system such as UNIX, LINUX™, or Microsoft WINDOWS NT®.Basic input/output system (“BIOS”) 318 is also provided for controllingthe low-level operation of server computer 300.

[0041] The mass memory as described above illustrates another type ofcomputer-readable media, namely computer storage media. Computer storagemedia may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removablemedia implemented in any method or technology for storage ofinformation, such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules or other data. Examples of computer storage mediainclude RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology,CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store thedesired information and which can be accessed by a computing device.

[0042] The mass memory also stores program code and data for providing aWWW site and managing command messages. More specifically, the massmemory stores applications including WWW server 330 and command messageserver 336. Generally, command message server 336 includes instructionsfor facilitating the communication of command based messagescommunicated between mobile devices. WWW server 330 includes computerexecutable instructions which, when executed on server computer 300,generate WWW browser displays, including performing the logic describedelsewhere in the specification.

[0043] Additionally, although command messages may be sent between usersof mobile devices, it is further understood that command messages may besent to mobile devices by others that are operating remote computers andby other third party services, such as radio stations, televisionstations and web sites. In these cases, the command message server wouldoperate in substantially the same manner as it would to handle commandmessages communicated between mobile devices.

[0044] Server computer 300 also comprises input/output interface 324 forcommunicating with external devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, scanner,or other input devices not shown in FIG. 3. Likewise, server computer300 may further comprise additional mass storage facilities such asCD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive 326 and hard disk drive 328. Hard disk drive 328 isutilized by server computer 300 to store, among other things,applications, databases, and data used by WWW server 330 and commandmessage server 336.

[0045] Command message server 336 may include a library or database ofpredetermined commands that are organized by categories and one or morelists of preselected users designated to receive selected images.Additionally, command message server 336 may incorporate facilities forhandling command messages that are included in SMS messages and wirelessprotocols, such as WAP.

[0046]FIG. 4 shows an exemplary mobile device 400, according to oneembodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, mobile device 400 is acellular telephone that is arranged to send and receive messages. Inparticular, mobile device 400 may be arranged to send and receive SMSmessages that can include data representing a command. Of course, othermessaging services that can include data representing a command may alsobe employed with mobile device 400.

[0047] Mobile device 400 may include many more components than thoseshown in FIG. 4. However, the components shown are sufficient todisclose an illustrative embodiment for practicing the presentinvention. As shown in the figure, mobile device 400 includes processingunit 412, memory 448, RAM 416, ROM 432, operating system 420, commandmessage application 430, programs 434, data storage 436, bios 418, power426, input/output interface 424, wireless interface unit 410, tuner 438,illuminator 450, haptic interface 452, audio 454, display 456, keypad458 and infrared input/output 460.

[0048] Mobile device 400 may connect to WAN/LAN 200, or othercommunications network, via wireless interface unit 410. Wirelessinterface 410 includes circuitry for connecting mobile device 400 towireless network 110, and is constructed for use with variouscommunication protocols including TCP/IP and WAP. Wireless interface 410may include a radio layer (not shown) that is arranged to send andreceive radio frequency communications. Typically, wireless interface410 connects mobile device 400 to other mobile devices, via atelecommunications carrier or service provider. Also, wireless interface410 may be arranged to communicate with other mobile devices withoutassistance from a carrier or service provider. For example, wirelessinterface 410 may support a wireless protocol such as IEEE 802.11b andthe like for communicating directly with other mobile devices.

[0049] Mass memory 448 generally includes RAM 416, ROM 432, and one ormore data storage units 436. The mass memory stores operating system 420for controlling the operation of mobile device 400. It will beappreciated that this component may comprise a general purpose operatingsystem such as a version of UNIX, LINUX™, or Microsoft WINDOWS®. Basicinput/output system (“BIOS”) 418 is also provided for controlling thelow-level operation of mobile device 400.

[0050] The mass memory as described above illustrates another type ofcomputer-readable media, namely computer storage media. Computer storagemedia may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removablemedia implemented in any method or technology for storage ofinformation, such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules or other data. Examples of computer storage mediainclude RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology,CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store thedesired information and which can be accessed by a computing device.

[0051] The mass memory also stores application code and data used bymobile device 400. More specifically, the mass memory stores commandmessage application 430, and programs 434. Command message application430 may be loaded into memory 448 and run under control of operatingsystem 420. Also, programs 434 may include computer executableinstructions which, when executed by mobile device 400, transmit andreceive WWW pages, e-mail, audio, video, and enable telecommunicationwith another user of another mobile device.

[0052] Mobile device 400 also comprises input/output interface 424 forcommunicating with external devices, such as a headset, or other inputor output devices not shown in FIG. 4. Data storage 436 can be utilizedby mobile device 400 to store, among other things, programs 434, commandmessage application 436, databases and/or libraries of commands, listsand other data. Keypad 458 may be any input device arranged to receiveinput from a user. For example, keypad 458 may include a push buttonnumeric dial, or a keyboard. Keypad 458 may also include at least onepush button that can be associated with a received command. Display 456may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), gas plasma, light emitting diode(LED), or any other type of display used with a mobile device. Display456 may also include a touch sensitive screen arranged to receive inputfrom an object such as a stylus or a digit from a human hand.Additionally, infrared input/output 460 may be used to send and receiveinfrared commands to/from other devices.

[0053] Power supply 426 provides power to mobile device 400. Arechargeable or non-rechargeable battery may be used to provide power.The power may also be provided by an external power source, such as anAC adapter or a powered docking cradle that supplements and/or rechargesa battery.

[0054] Illuminator 450 may remain active for specific periods of time orin response to events. For example, when illuminator 450 is active, itmay backlight the buttons on keypad 459 and stay on while the mobiledevice is powered. Also, illuminator 450 may backlight these buttons invarious patterns when particular actions are performed, such asreceiving or sending commands. These patterns may be predetermined orrandom, e.g., a happy face or starburst. Illuminator 450 may also causelight sources positioned within a transparent or translucent case of themobile device to illuminate in response to actions.

[0055] Audio interface 454 is arranged to produce and receive audiosignals such as the sound of a human voice. For example, audio interface454 may be coupled to a speaker and microphone (not shown) to enabletelecommunication with others and/or generate an audio acknowledgementfor some action.

[0056] Haptic interface 452 is arranged to provide sensory feedback to auser of the mobile device. For example, the haptic interface may beemployed to vibrate the mobile device in a particular way when commandmessages are sent to other users of mobile devices; and vibrate inanother way when command messages are received by the mobile device fromanother user.

[0057] Tuner 438 may be any type of tuner arranged to receive abroadcast. For example, tuner 438 may be an AM tuner, an FM tuner, anAM/FM tuner, an Internet radio tuner, a television tuner, a Satelliteradio tuner, or the like. Tuner 438 may be a hardware component orimplemented in software by a digital signal processor (not shown). Asoftware-based tuner could employ various CODECs for tuning to differenttypes of broadcasts.

[0058] Infrared input/output port 460 may be used by mobile device 400to select the channel of a television set, or to input/output data withanother mobile device or fixed device such as a PDA (not shown).

[0059] In various embodiments, the mobile device may be a selected oneof a wireless mobile phone, a pager, a personal digital assistant (PDA),a palm-sized computing device, a laptop computer, a portable radio, aportable MPx player, and a portable CD/DVD player.

[0060]FIG. 5 shows an overview 500 of a system generally illustrating anembodiment of the invention. Each mobile device 520A and 520B includesat least command application 524, control 526, display 528 and datastore 522. Mobile devices 520A and 520B may store data locally in datastore 522 or remotely in another data store that is accessible over anetwork (not shown). Mobile devices 520A and 520B are capable ofwirelessly receiving command messages sent from a plurality of sources,including radio 560, satellite 540, television 550, Internet 530 andwireless network 570. Also, a command message sent from mobile device520B to mobile device 520A can be communicated over wireless network 570and the like. In operation, the mobile device can receive commandmessages from any one of the sources and automatically configure itselfto perform the command when control 526 is activated. As shown, control526 is represented by a push button labeled with an asterisk “*”.

[0061]FIG. 6 illustrates an overview 600 of mobile device 610 thatincludes display 620, control 630 and infrared port 640 for transmittingand receiving messages between other devices with substantially similarinfrared ports. In the exemplary embodiment, television 650 includesinfrared port 660 for transmitting and receiving messages between mobiledevice 610. In operation, the activation of control 630 causes a message(channel selection) to be transmitted from the mobile device's infraredport 640 to the television's infrared port 660. The received messagecauses television 650 to tune (change) to a particular televisionchannel based on information included in the message. Additionally,other types of wireless communications such as RF (radio frequency)technology could be employed to communicate messages between mobiledevice 610 and television 650.

[0062]FIG. 7 shows an overview 700 of a process for receiving commandmessages with a mobile device. Moving from a start block, the processadvances to block 710 where a message is received. The process moves todecision block 715 where a determination is made as to whether themessage includes a command. If false, the process loops back to block710 and returns to performing substantially the same actions discussedabove. Alternatively, when the determination at decision block 715 isaffirmative, the process moves to block 720 where the command isassociated with a control of the mobile device such as a switch, pushbutton and the like. Advancing to block 730, the process automaticallyconfigures the operation of the mobile device in accordance with thecommand included with the received message. Also, any data associatedwith the command and included with the message can be employed toconfigure the operation of the mobile device.

[0063] In one embodiment (not shown), the message need not explicitlyinclude a particular type of command. Instead, the data included in amessage could cause the association of an implicit type of command witha control and the automatic configuration of a particular operation ofthe mobile device. The command could be implied based upon context or aprotocol. For example, when a mobile device only accepted commands todial, the telephone number (data) would only need to be included in themessage. A received message that included a telephone number could causea control to be automatically configured so that, upon activation, themobile device dialed the received telephone number. Also, the receivedmessage could include some generic indication that a command isassociated with the data; and where the command could be inferred bydetermining the type of data included in the message.

[0064] Advancing to decision block 740, a determination is made as towhether the control is activated. If not, the process moves to anotherdecision block 760 where another determination is made as to whether anew command is received. If true, the process jumps back to block 720and performs substantially the same actions discussed above. However,when the determination at decision block 760 is false, the process loopsback to decision block 740 and repeats substantially the same actionsdiscussed above.

[0065] When the determination at decision block 740 is affirmative,i.e., the control is activated, the process moves to a block 750 wherethe command is performed with the mobile device. Next the process loopsback to decision block 760 and resumes performing substantially the sameactions discussed above.

[0066] Any type of protocol may be used to communicate messages that(explicitly and/or implicitly) include commands for associating with acontrol in a mobile device such as the Short message Service (SMS)protocol and the like.

[0067] The SMS protocol enables short text and data messages to be sentand received over a wireless network between mobile devices such ascellular telephones, pagers and the like. The SMS protocol can be usedon a variety of cellular networks, including Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM) cellular telephone networks. Generally, there arethree types of SMS messages: GSM character set-encoded messages(effectively 7-bit encoded text), UCS2-encoded messages (Unicode encoded16-bit text), and 8-bit binary-encoded messages. Typically, GSM-encodedmessages and UCS2-encoded messages are textual and are displayed to theuser by a messaging application as soon as they are received, whereas8-bit binary-encoded messages are often directed at providingdevice-specific information, such as device configuration messages.

[0068] SMS messages have a “User Data Header” which can containadditional information, such as source and destination port numbers(similar to TCP/IP), concatenation information (to support multi-partSMS messages), and the like. The User Data Header allows an SMS messageto be customized, i.e., a command and its associated data could beincluded in a customized header of an SMS message. Special characters orstrings could be used in SMS messages to denote messages that includecommands and/or associated data. For example, an SMS message containingthe string “!LI!” might indicate that a command is included with themessage. Typically, the special string “!LI!” would not be displayeddirectly to the user.

[0069] Additional information could be placed in the string by using anumerical designator to indicate the type of command. For example,adding the number “1” to the string could indicate that the mobiledevice should configure a control to browse a hypertext link whenactivated. Similarly, the number “2” could represent a command fortuning to a radio frequency and the number “3” could represent anothercommand for tuning to a television station. Thus, the presence of ahypertext link command in a message could be disclosed by the string“!LI!1”. Additionally, the data associated with the command couldprecede the string in the header and/or be included in the body of themessage.

[0070] As discussed above, the command is employed to specify anactivity (such as tune a radio included with the mobile device) that isenabled for activation by a control on the mobile device, and theassociated data designates how to perform the activity (e.g., the actualradio frequency that a tuner will tune to). In some cases, the commandcould be implied based upon context or a protocol.

[0071]FIG. 8 illustrates an overview 800 of components that may beemployed by one embodiment of a command message application residing ona mobile device. When the command message application receives acommand, it automatically employs control linker 810 to associate thecommand with a control on the mobile device. Additionally, controllinker 810 determines which component is suited to perform the actionindicated by the command and automatically links this determinedcomponent to the control. Also, any data associated with the command isprovided to the linked component. Thus, when the control is activated,the linked component will automatically perform the action indicated bythe command in accordance with any data that might have been associatedwith the command.

[0072] Control linker 810 is in communication with several componentsincluding, but not limited to, cellular telephone 860, browser 820,tuner 830, game 840 and television channel selector 850. For example,when a received command indicates browsing and includes data thatidentifies a particular web site, control linker 810 automaticallypasses the data to browser 820 and links the activation of the controlto the browser. Upon activation of the control, browser 820 willautomatically cause the mobile device to browse to the particular website identified by the data. Additionally, based on the received commandand data, the command message application will perform substantially thesame actions in substantially the same manner with the other components.

[0073]FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart 900 for requesting updated commandmessages and, in response, automatically receiving updated commands.After a start block, the process advances to block 910, where eachcommand message sent by a user of a mobile device to at least one otheruser is received and stored by a command message server, such asdiscussed above in regard to FIG. 3. Also, the command message serverkeeps a copy of the PAL LIST(s) for each user. Further, when a user of amobile device sends a command message, the user's display of his currentcommand message is automatically updated. The process moves to decisionblock 920 where a determination is made if the user has requestedupdated command messages from each member of a PAL LIST. If affirmative,the process advances to block 920 where the command message serverautomatically sends a reply to the user that includes the currentcommand message for each member of the PAL LIST. Next, the process jumpsto block 910 and performs substantially the same actions as discussedabove.

[0074] Alternatively, when the determination at decision block 920 isnegative, the process moves to decision block 940 where a determinationis made whether a user has requested an updated command message foranother user. If affirmative, the process moves to block 950 where thecommand message server automatically sends a reply to the user thatincludes the current command message for the other user. Next, theprocess jumps to block 910 and returns to performing substantially thesame actions as discussed above.

[0075]FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart 1000 for receiving and forwardingcommand messages. Moving from a start block, the process advances toblock 1010 where a command message server receives a command messagesent by a user of a mobile device. The process flows to decision block1020 where a determination is made as to whether the user has sent acommand message to another user of another mobile device and which isalso a member of an enabled PAL LIST associated with the user. A memberof a PAL LIST can selectively enable the automatic sending of each newcommand message sent by at least one member to every other member. Ifaffirmative, the process moves to block 1030 where the command messageserver broadcasts (sends) the command message to each member of theenabled PAL LIST associated with the user of the mobile device. Next,the process jumps to block 1010 and performs substantially the sameactions discussed above.

[0076] Alternatively, when the determination at decision block 1020 isnegative, the process advances to decision block 1040 where the commandmessage server determines if the command message is sent to another userof a mobile device. If affirmative, the process moves to block 1050where the command message server automatically forwards the commandmessage to the other user. Next, the process returns to block 1010 andperforms substantially the same actions as discussed above.

[0077] Additionally, when the determination at decision block 1040 isnegative, the process flows to block 1060 and stores the command messagefor later forwarding by the command message server in response to arequest for the current message associated with the user. Next, theprocess returns to block 1010 and performs substantially the sameactions as discussed above.

[0078] In various alternate embodiments, the invention may also bepracticed with a potential command sender first sending a query to apotential command recipient mobile device, inquiring into one or morerelevant capabilities of the mobile device. The command is sent onlyupon receiving from the potential recipient mobile device, a favorablereply to the capability query. The generation and sending of the query,as well as the receive and interpretation of the reply may be performedusing the same elements earlier described for generating the messagewith a command and the relevant enabling and association data.

[0079] The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

What is claimed is:
 1. In a mobile device, a method of operation,comprising: (a) receiving a message comprising a command, which includesdata for enabling an action on the mobile device; (b) automaticallyassociating the command with a control; (c) employing the data toautomatically enable the action on the mobile device; and (d) when thecontrol is activated, causing the action to be performed.
 2. The methodof claim 1, wherein the message that includes the command is a ShortMessage Service (SMS) message.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein theaction includes at least a selected one of tuning to a radio station,completing a telephone call, playing a game, playing an audio recording,playing a video, displaying a picture, playing an animation, enabling ascreensaver and browsing to a web site.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the action comprises sending a channel selection to a televisionset.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the command is received from aselected one of a radio station, a satellite, a wireless network, apager, a television station and a web site.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the command is received from another mobile device that enablestelecommunication.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: (a)receiving another message comprising another command, the other commandalso including other data for enabling another action on the mobiledevice; (b) automatically associating the other command with thecontrol; (c) employing the other data to automatically enable the otheraction on the mobile device; and (d) when the control is activated,causing the other action to be performed on the mobile device.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising acknowledging the activation ofthe control.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the acknowledgementincludes at least one of a sound, visual display and haptic feedback.10. The method of claim 8, wherein the acknowledgement comprisesselectively illuminating light sources of the mobile device.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the selective illumination comprisesdisplaying a pattern with the illuminated light sources.
 12. The methodof claim 1, further comprising storing a list of other users, whereineach user included in the list is linked by a relationship to the userof the mobile device.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprisingstoring a separate list for each type of relationship to the user of themobile device.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising when alist is enabled, sending the command to each mobile device associatedwith each user included in the list.
 15. The method of claim 1, whereinthe method further comprises providing a capability description of themobile device to a potential command sender, responsive to a query fromthe potential command sender inquiry on the capability of the mobiledevice.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprisesgenerating another message comprising another command and another datato enable another action on another mobile device and associate theother command with a control of the other mobile device, such that whenthe control of the other mobile device is activated, the other actionwill be performed on the other mobile device; and sending the othermessage to the other mobile device.
 17. The method of claim 16, whereinthe method further comprises prior to performing the generating andsending of the other message, sending a query to the other mobile deviceinquiring into one or more relevant capabilities; receiving a reply fromthe other mobile device to the query; and determining if the reply isfavorable for the sending of the other message.
 18. An apparatuscomprising: (a) a transceiver for receiving a message comprising acommand which includes data for enabling an action on the apparatus; (b)an associator coupled to the transceiver to automatically associate thecommand with a control; (c) a linker coupled to the transceiver toemploy the included data to automatically enable the action on theapparatus; and (d) a transcoder coupled to the control to cause theaction to be performed on the mobile device when the control isactivated.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the control includesat least one of a keypad, hot key, soft key, touch pad, wheel, slidebutton, push button, pointing device, and similar physical devices. 20.The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a display equipped todisplay at least one of text, graphic, video and picture.
 21. Theapparatus of claim 20, wherein the display include a selected one ofliquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED), organic LED,fluorescent, incandescent, and plasma.
 22. The apparatus of claim 18,wherein the message is an SMS message.
 23. The apparatus of claim 18,wherein the action comprises sending a television channel selection to atelevision set.
 24. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the actioncomprises tuning to a broadcast, wherein the broadcast includes aselected one of radio, television, audio, video, and data.
 25. Theapparatus of claim 18, wherein the action comprises tuning to an RFbroadcast of a radio station, the radio station being broadcast on aselected one of AM and FM frequencies.
 26. The apparatus of claim 18,further comprising a haptic feedback device to provide haptic feedbackwhen the control is activated.
 27. The apparatus of claim 18, whereinthe message is received from another mobile device.
 28. The apparatus ofclaim 18, wherein the message is received from a remote computingdevice.
 29. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the transceiver isfurther used to receive a query from a potential command senderinquiring in the capability of the apparatus; and the transcoder isfurther coupled to the transceiver to respond to the query with a reply.30. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is a selected oneof a wireless mobile phone, a pager, a personal digital assistant (PDA),a palm-sized computing device, a laptop computer, a portable radio, aportable MPx player, and a portable CD/DVD player.
 31. The apparatus ofclaim 18, wherein said transcoder and transceiver are further employedto generate another message comprising another command and another datato enable another action on another mobile device and associate theother command with a control of the other mobile device, such that whenthe control of the other mobile device is activated, the other actionwill be performed on the other mobile device; and send the other messageto the other mobile device.
 32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein saidtranscoder and transceiver are further employed to send a query to theother mobile device inquiring into one or more relevant capabilities,receive a reply from the other mobile device to the query; and determineif the reply is favorable for the sending of the other message, prior toperforming the generating and sending of the other message.
 33. Anapparatus, comprising: (a) means for receiving a message comprising thecommand that includes data for enabling an action on the mobile device;(b) means for automatically associating the command with a control; (c)means for employing the data to automatically enable the action on themobile device; and (d) means for causing the action to be performed onthe mobile device when the control is activated.